Articles
HAVE PATIENCE!
Patience! A great virtue! But easier said than shown. Nothing that you haven’t already seen,
but I am anxious to get in to the new building (an understatement!). No one’s fault that we are
not there yet, but that doesn’t change the anxiety. My books and files are all packed ready for the
move, but they remain in my office waiting for the “GO” signal (soon, very soon!).
This past week I went to the hospital to visit Lyndell and found myself singing a song I
learned years and years ago,
“Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry.
When you get impatient, you only start to worry.
Remember, remember, that God is patient, too.
And think of all the times that others have to wait on you.”
Funny thing, as I visited with Lyndell and Angela, that word “patience” came out again!
And so I returned to the office to apologize to Cathy for my frustration (and “stress”), due to my
lack of patience. Patience has probably never been one of my strong points, but believe it or not,
it has become better!
I am reminded of the words shared by James, the brother of Jesus, “Consider it all joy, my
brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces
endurance [patience]. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing” (Jas. 1:2-4). That word endurance [patience] can also be translated
“perseverance”. But, notice what James says. Patience perfects Christian character. It makes
perfect, complete, lacking nothing. And I suppose I could extend that to suggest a maturation in
our lives as Christians. Patience under trial, during “undeserved affliction”, even chastisement.
Patience [perseverance], important for each of us as we strive to serve the Lord. Jeremiah was
told by God, that if you let men get the better of you, how can you possibly run with horses (Jer.
12:5, paraphrased). So, I guess I will work a little harder at having the proper patience and
perseverance.
Oh, lest I forget. A reminder that God indeed has patience with us as we strive to grow into
the men and women that He wants us to be. When we miss the mark in living for Him; when we
wander from the life He wants us to live, then He waits patiently for us to come to our senses
(Luke 15:17), return to Him and grow a little stronger. “The Lord is not slow about His promise,
as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to
come to repentance” (1 Pet. 3:9). I’m glad we have a patient God! ~P. Mowrer
